A 25-year-old man faces charges after attempting to defraud an elderly couple of $20,000 in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

The Scam Attempt

The incident unfolded when a concerned woman contacted authorities to report that her elderly parents, both in their 80s, had fallen victim to a scam. The perpetrator, later identified as Vamshihar Katikreddy, allegedly posed as an FBI agent and convinced the couple to hand over $20,000.

Police Intervention

Officers swiftly responded to the call, arriving at the home in Harbor Woods at 5 p.m. Upon arrival, they noticed a vehicle attempting to flee the scene. Officer Gavin Pullan successfully intercepted the vehicle, identifying the driver as Katikreddy, who hails from Jersey City.

Legal Ramifications

Katikreddy’s explanations for his presence in the area reportedly changed multiple times. He was subsequently arrested and charged with theft by deception, impersonation of a law enforcement officer, and conspiracy. Following his arrest, it was revealed that Katikreddy is not a U.S. citizen.

Aftermath and Warning

Following his arrest, Katikreddy was released from the Atlantic County Justice Facility pending a court hearing. In response to the incident, Egg Harbor Township Police issued a warning, advising residents to remain vigilant against similar scams. They emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies would never demand large sums of cash and urged caution regarding online interactions and unsolicited emails.

Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

The attempted scam targeting an elderly couple in Egg Harbor Township serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant against fraudulent schemes. Residents are urged to educate themselves and their loved ones about common scams, exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals or requests for money, and report any suspicious activity to local authorities promptly.

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